Orioles Acquire Pie

by Eli Greenspan on Jan 18, 2009 2:19 PM EST

The Orioles have traded Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson to the Cubs for top prospect Felix Pie. The Cubs are frustrated with Pie's performance in the major leagues, despite only giving him 287 at-bats. Olson will likely compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with Sean Marshall, but it is possible the Cubs will try to revive talks for Jake Peavy now that they have all the pieces the Padres originally asked for. Pie could start in left field for the Orioles, but might need to prove himself before the Orioles let that happen.

Pie has the potential to be an All-Star player, combining speed, power, and excellent instincts. He is coming off a strong final month of the MLB season, and a solid Winter League season, so he could hit the ground running in 2009. Olson might fare better in the National League, but he has a high WHIP and is a fly ball pitcher, so pitching coach Larry Rothschild has some work to do. As for Williamson, he has solid strikeout numbers and has the makings of a decent reliever, but he is a long way away from reaching the majors.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

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you got a projection for him eli...??

by Anonymous on Jan 18, 2009 2:50 PM EST reply actions

you got a projection for him eli...??

by Anonymous on Jan 18, 2009 2:50 PM EST reply actions

do you think the cubs are more likely to keep both these pitchers or trade them?

by shrew on Jan 18, 2009 2:55 PM EST reply actions

The Cubs are probably going to try and revisit the Peavy talks, considering they still have Vitters, and have traded Jason Marquis, Mark DeRosa, and now Felix Pie for more young players.

If the Peavy doesn't happen, they will probably keep both. Olson is just 25 and could be effective in the rotation or bullpen. Williamson is young...

If the Cubs don't trade for Jake Peavy, these past couple trades really do not make sense. DeRo was very effective, and was a good substitute for Ramirez, especially with Fontenot there as well. Pie is just 23, and should have been given the opportunity to play every day. The day after we traded marquis all anyone could talk about was who was going to be replacing him. he averaged 12 wins in the number five spot and was coming into a contract year, and vizcaino has always struggled at wrigley...they could have gone yonger.

by Eli on Jan 18, 2009 5:26 PM EST reply actions

Pie, AJones, Markakis... gotta like that young OF core!

by Anonymous on Jan 18, 2009 6:24 PM EST reply actions

Ya i loved felix I think he is going to be really good. We barely gave him a chance.

by shrew on Jan 18, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions

Is there a chance the Cubs might again trade with Baltimore and get Brian Roberts.
However, I do like the idea of going after Jake Peavy. You can never have enough pitching.

by Uncle Dan on Jan 18, 2009 8:20 PM EST reply actions